Republic of Chile visas
Chile administers immigration through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) under the 2021 migration reform, Ley 21.325. Most foreigners progress through a tiered system — Permanencia Transitoria, then Residencia Temporal, then Residencia Definitiva — with the headline routes being temporary residence for lawful remunerated work, employment-opportunity seekers, investors, family reunification and students.
5 routes · 3 without a sponsor · 4 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Servicio Nacional de Migraciones ↗ · Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Colegio de Abogados de Chile (CACh) — Professional association and ethics body for lawyers in Chile, including those advising on immigration matters.
Visa routes (5)
Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners coming to Chile to perform lawful paid work under a contract, service contract or job offer.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Temporary Residence - Employment Opportunity
Temporary residence permit for foreigners seeking employment opportunities in Chile, granted under quotas set by the migration policy authorities.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel
Temporary residence subcategory for investors making a qualifying investment in Chile and for related executive or specialist personnel.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Temporary Residence - Family Reunification
Temporary residence subcategory for close family members of Chilean citizens or holders of Residencia Definitiva.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Temporary Residence - Students
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners studying at education establishments recognised by the Chilean State.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Chile have?+
We cover 5 Republic of Chile visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Chile visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
3 of the 5 Republic of Chile routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Chile visas lead to permanent residence?+
4 of the 5 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
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